Pastor's Corner: God, government and godly citizens

It’s almost time again for Election Day as excitement, political pressure and intrigue reach their height. We all have been bombarded constantly with political ads, calls, mailers, news and interviews all aimed at influencing our vote, which will impact our city, our county, our state and our country. It is a good time to review what the Bible says about politics and Christians.

First, beware of the cult of politics. Politics has the tendency of becoming all consuming, like a religion. And 24/7 media coverage in our time has not helped. News flash: No political party is going to lead to a paradise on earth, and no political candidate will save your soul for eternity. Political solutions are not going to work on spiritual problems. There is only one Savior for eternity: Jesus Christ (John 3:16, 4:42; 1 John 4:14). There is only one perfect person who is going to rule righteously as king, King Jesus (Isaiah 9:6-7, Daniel 7:13-14, John 18:36, Revelations 19:16). Has politics become an idol for you? Are you sacrificing more on the altar of politics than serving and worshiping the Lord Jesus Christ? Then cast the idol of politics away (Exodus 20:3-5, 1 Corinthians 10:14).

Second, government was God’s idea, with certain functions and responsibilities (Romans 13:1-7). Government was given and instituted by God for the organization and benefit of all people. God is in complete control of the rise and fall of rulers and governments (Daniel 2:21, 4:32). Government and its leaders are rightly called public servants, because they should serve the people and seek their good, peace and welfare (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Government has been given by God to punish evil and to encourage the good.

Government should safeguard personal liberty and freedom of conscience (Deuteronomy 30:19, Joshua 24:15, Matthew 11:28). The Bible clearly states that all rulers are accountable to God for how they lead (Psalms 2:10-11, Romans 14:12, Revelations 11:18). The government and its leaders should act to protect the vulnerable and oppressed (Psalms 82:3-4). We thank God for the common grace of government.

Lastly, Christians have their own responsibilities under the authority of government. We have the responsibilities of obeying just laws and submitting to leaders (Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13-15), giving honor (Romans 13:7; 1 Peter 2:17) and paying taxes (Romans 13:6-7). Christians should be known as those who pray for political leaders, supporting a good government and godly leaders, zealous to do good works in the realm of civics for the benefit of all (1 Timothy 2:1-2; Titus 3:1). When was the last time you prayed specifically for your political leaders?

We in our context have the privilege and responsibility of exercising our right to vote for candidates closest to the character of Christ and political platforms closest to the righteous standards of the Bible (Psalms 72:1-2; Micah 6:8; Ephesians 4:22-24). We know that every earthly candidate and party falls short of the standards of God. But we are not absolved of the responsibility to influence our government toward righteousness, justice and godliness. It is time for the godly to make their choice known (Joshua 24:15; Psalms 82:3-4; Matthew 5:14-16).

“When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.” – Proverbs 29:2